Australia launching inspection campaign on securing of containers

AMSA said the campaign was being launched in response to serious incidents including the loss of 50 containers off Wollongong by the APL England in May and three containers from the Navios Unite off Cape Leeuwin in June.

AMSA said improper stacking and securing of cargo and poor maintenance of securing equipment are likely to have been contributing factors to these incidents which caused “significant environmental damage”.

“We have seen the serious consequence of improper cargo securing arrangements in the form of tonnes plastics and other debris washing up on our beautiful beaches and floating in our oceans,” said AMSA acting general manager of operations Michael Drake.

“Rusted cargo securing points, improper lashings and exceeding stack weight limits have all contributed to these incidents and ship operators should be on notice that non-compliance will not be tolerated in Australia.”

The campaign will run from the beginning of August to end October and involved both PSC inspections, as well as standalone inspections.